Packing holder for fragile articles



Aug. 14, 1934. kM KPPELMAN 1,969,802

PACKING HOLDER FOR FRAGILE ARTICLES Filed oct. 1, 1928 s sheets-sheet 1` 1 E- l /f 39 ul-n mnu/m mi-nw mi il-1111 Aug; 14, 1934.

M. KOPPELMAN PACKING HOLDER FOR FRAGILE ARTICLES `Filed Ot. l, 1928 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 n l l l l, l Il l l l Aug 14, 1934- M. KOPPELMAN ,1,969,802

PACKING HOLDER FOR FRAGILE ARTICLES Filed Oct. 1, 1928 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 gnou/nmz Patented Aug. 14, 1934 PATENT OFFICE f 1,969,802 PACKING HOLDER FORAFRAGILE ARTICLES Morris Koppelman, Brooklyn, N. Y., assignor, byl mesne assignments, to Packing Products Corporation, a corporation of Delaware Application October 1, 1928Seria1 No. 309,637

4 Claims.

The present improvements relate to packing holders for fragile articles such as fruits, eggs, frail vegetables, incandescent bulbs, radio tubes, bottles and other similar glass or ceramic articles and fragile containers, and their primary objects, among others, are the production of a packing holderadapted to be used incardboard or other cartons or containers.

A further object is. to provide a novel holder` for fragile articles embodying features of merit desirable in the trade, not heretofore attained. Another object is to provide a unitary holder adapted for use in cartons or other containers whereby the operations and parts necessary for packing same are reduced to a minimum. Economy of labor is thus attained without sacrificing well recognized requirements of the trade, and at the same time increasing the efficiency of the packing and facilitating the dispensing, carrying and handling of the packed articles.

A still further object is the production of a novel article of manufacture of highly eicient form in such manner and of such material, that the strength, durability, cushioning eifect and usefulness of the holder is increased and the cost of productiondecreased.

In practicing the present improvements, the holder is preferably made of light weight material such as heavy paper, cardboard, rubber or other yieldable non-metallic material. Projections or bulged areasare preferablyformed in a sheet of such material simultaneously with the formation of the sheet. The formation of the sheets and the projecting portions, although preferably accomplished by one and the same process, may be practiced by first forming a flat sheet and subsequently forming the projections therein. Any other suitable method may be employed for producing a sheet of this character.

In forming the sheet and projecting portions thereof, Wood pulp, cellulose or other fibrous material isemployed, 'the bres being first placed in a liquid bath. Macerated paper, thoroughly disintegrated and mixed with water until it has the consistency of thick soup may be employed, as may other similar materials. The formation of the sheets may then be accomplished by molding or felting by means of suitable dies or molds, whereby a sheet of relatively yieldable `material results, with the aforementioned projections therein, all consisting of intimately matted fibres. If desired, and particularly where the nature of the fibre employed` renders it advisable, a hardening substance such as Portland cement may be added to the bath in quantity sufaccompanying description of the invention and this is drawings in which- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an open carton in outline, illustrating a holder embodying one form of the present improvements disposed therein, parts being broken away for convenience in illustration;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the holder of Fig.` 1, showing'same in sheet form and unfolded;

Fig. 3 is a View similar to that of Fig. 1, showing a modified form of holder;

Fig. 4 is Va plan view of the holder of Fig. 3 showing same in sheet form and unfolded;

"Fig, 5 is an end elevation of the form of holder illustrated in Fig. 3, showing the upstanding portions slightly separated; 75

` Fig. 6 is a perspective of part of a modified form of holder, parts being broken off;

Fig."'7 is a perspective of a modified form;

Fig. 8 is a plan View of the holder of Fig. 7, showing same in sheet form and unfolded;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary view of still another modified form of holder.`y

Referring to the drawings, the sheets illustrated therein are preferably formed of relatively yieldable unfinished fibrous material and may be formed in the following manner. Forms for shaping the sheets are made of fine Wire mesh or foraminous sheet metal, said forms being provided with bulged areas or protruding portions where desired for producing the sheets illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6, or with suitable corrugations for producing sheets as illustrated in Figs. '7 to 9. The forms are mounted for immersion in a tank or tub containing aliquid composed of Water and loose fibres, preferably cellu- 95 lose or other suitable vegetable fibre suspended therein so as to give the bath the consistency of a thick soup. The forms may be mounted on a drum or other means for dipping same in the bath and are provided with suit-ably positioned suction pipes so that as the forms pass through the bath, the water will be drawn through the foraminous forms, and said forms will receive, on the side thereof opposite the pipes, a coating of fibres or pulp, depending for its thickness on the thickness of the bath or soup, the length of time the form is in the bath and the degree of suction. Other suction pipes may be located above the bath and particularly opposite the-compression dies, to draw air through the layer of brous material on the forms and remove excess plied thereto;

water and also to hold the same tightly against f have a comparatively smooth surface and be l fairly compact, whence the sheet is removed from the form by* suitable means', such asr compressed air, projected against theunderside of the form and through it against the underside of the formed sheet. As the sheet is still in a wet conn dition it is passed through any suitable typeA of drier. Obviously a sheet of the character illustrated in Figs. 7 to 9 may be formed in a similar manner by employing appropriate foraminous forms.

If desired, .the sheets maybe formed fiat in the bath, that is, a plane foraminous form without protruding portions may be employed, whereby a substantiallyeven sheet is produced on the form. The bulged areas; may then be pressed into the sheet while wet,A by means of suitable dies and then permitted to dry in that state.

Either of the processes so far described-may be practiced in producing the non-planiform sheet illustrated in thel drawings.

The above described ,method of preparing shje'ets is of vital importance in some forms of the present improvements. The loose fibres fioating in the bath through which the forms are passed are relatively l, short and obviously infinite in number. Upon being sucked against the form, these short fibres become felted or matted together in over-lapping, inter-engaging and superposed relation with slight regard for organized arrangement. If an enlarged cross section of such a sheet could be viewed, an infinite number of these short .fibres would be seen -felted together with an infinite number of minute spaces between the fibres. Where the bulged areas or projections are produced` initially in the sheet by the configuration of the form-itself, the sheet is caused to be dried with the fibres inthe aforementionedmatted relation with the minute spaces therebetween. V However, wherethe sheet is initially made flat, the. bulged areas or projections are afterward formed in the sheet while wet and then permittedto dry in that f orm with the fibres similarly matted and with lminute spaces therebetween, as is apparent.

By reason of the above described texture of the sheet, the dried fibres will form a relatively rigid sheet but at the same time will give to the sheet an inherent elasticity. Therefore this method of making the sheet insures proper and accurate form when dry and the preservation of that form in use since any pressure on the sheet or any part thereof will tend to move lts fibres from their'normal position and will be constantly resisted thereby, to the end that all the parts of the sheet will always have a tendency to return to their original position, which .causes them to exert a counter pressure when slightly pressed or drawn therefrom.

Accordingly the entire sheet and the elements thus formed therein, have great strength and will preserve their shapes under ordinary conditions of use and when unfolded or folded, as hereinafter described, to form the holder, a great amount of inherent elasticity is found to be present therein.

, members constitute spacing means or partitions as well as cushion members as hereinafter noted. These members 20 to 23 are formed in the sheet and integral therewith, during the manufacturing process and therefore are of the same texture Aas the sheet itself, namely an intimately matted mass of short pulp fibres.

The members 20 to 23 may be prismatic in form, and are preferably of that general shape except that their six surfaces (omitting reference to the base) curve away gradually from the ridge 24 of the prism to the base and merge either with the contiguous sheet portion or the contiguous quasiprismatic member. Obviously, the formation of the sheet 10 with the portions 16 to 19 therein, the vlatter having the above described members 20 to 23, causes the under or opposite side of the sheet to have apertures 2'5, 26, 27 and 28 therein, whereby the laterally projecting members 20 to 23 are hollow and define air pockets or buffers as later described.

The portions 29, 30 of the sheet 10, interposing the lportions 16 to 19, as illustrated, constitute bases or supporting means. Said portions 29 and 30 are provided with spaced cushion means 31 and 32. Each such cushion member comprisesa truncated bowl shaped portion 33 and an inverted truncated bowl shaped portion 34, thelatter having a fiat top 35. The ring 36 formed at the juncture of the portions 33 and 34 affords a supporting surface for the sheet. The cushion means 31 and 32 are also formed in the sheet 10 and integral therewith. during the manufacturing` process and therefore. are of the same texture as the sheet, namely an intimately matted mass of short pulp fibres. Intermediate the cushion means 31 and 32 are transverse grooves 3'7 formed'in the sheet.

It is apparent from the foregoing description that the sheets 10 may be stacked one upon another in nested relation, when in the unfolded formillustrated in Fig. 2. Obviously the protruding portions of the superposed sheet will nest in the complementary portions of the adjacent sheets', and ad infinitum, thereby facilitating shipment and storage of the sheets in unfolde position.

In use, the sheet 10 is folded along its fold lines thereby disposing portions 1'7 and 18, back to back, portions 29 and .30 being disposed horizontally and portions 16 and 19 being upstanding all as illustrated in Fig. 1. The holder 38 thus resulting, may be placed in a carton 39. It is notable that the laterally projecting member 20 to 23. are so positioned on the sheet and of such extent as tosubstantially meet or' contact each other at their ridges 24. This result is seen in .Fig 1, wherein compartments 40 are formed begenerally to that of the cushion members as well as to the surface of the base portions wherein grooves 37 are disposed. It is thus seen that upon folding the sheet 10,' as illustrated a` plurality of compartments for fragile articles are formed each having a cushion support at the base and surrounding walls of relatively yieldable material. Each article is thus separated from its neighbor and wcll cushioned by the surrounding portions. Several peaches are shown in outline in Fig. 3 to illustrate the relation.

The entire holder 38 due toits texture and configuration tends to resist pressure and shocks from all directions but will yieldingly give under strains, returningto its original shape after re`- lease thereof. The spacing members 20 to 23 and the cushion members 3l and 32, function to cushion the articles and yieldingly protect same, due not only to the texture of the walls thereof,l but also to their shape and the air pockets formed thereby. The articles seat on the fiat top 350i' the bowls 34 of each cushion member and depending upon the shape of the article, may be further cushioned by the peripheral base of bowl 33. Regardless of the shape of the article packed, however, the parts 33, 34 and 35 cooperate and contribute to cushion such article. The efficacy of the air cushions present in the hollow separating members 20 to 23 cannot be over-emphasized, and it is notable that when portions 17 and 18 are back to back, juxtaposed members 21 and 22'provide larger air chambers along the center of the holder 38. Furthermore the entire sheet 10, due to its texture, serves in a cushioning relation, because when in the folded position (Fig. 1) the intimatelymatted fibres are distorted at the fold lines 11 to 15,. and constantly tend to return the sheet to its fiat form, resisting the folding operations. This spring or inherent elasticity is shown in Fig. 5 in connection with a modified form.

Referring to the modified form illustrated in Figs. 3 to 5 the sheet 10a is formed similarly to that just described except that the portions 16 and 19 are omitted. The central fold line 11 is flank-ed by portions 17 and 18 and the latter have contiguous portions 29'and 30. While portions 29 and 30 have cushion means 31 and 32 similar in form to those previously described, the portions 17 and 18 are provided with laterally projecting spacing members 2la and 22a which extend outwardly from the sheet a greater distance than members 21 and 22. While members 21a and 22a are of the same general shape as their complements in Fig. l, it will be seen upon inspection of Figs. 3 and 5 that said members, when sheet 10a is folded, project-between the cushion means to points substantially in the vertical planes passing through the edges of portions 29 and 30.

In use, the-sheet l0n is folded along line 11, causing portions 17 and 18 to be back to back, whereupon portions 29 and 30 are folded along lines 13 and 14 respectively, to assume the horizontal positions shown in Figs...3 and 5. The holder 38a is then inserted in the carton 39. The functions, texture, shape, etc.v of holder 38a are the same as that set forth in detail with respect to the form first described, the only exception being, of course, that each laterally projecting member 21a and 22a, of itself, serves as a separating and cushioning member for the packed articles, by reason of the fact that they extend from the upstanding central walls 17 and 18, over to approximately the edges of the -horizontally f; disposed portions 29 and 30. In this form also the air cushions formed by the juxtaposed hollow members 2ln andr22a are provided between each article as woll as along the center of the holder 38e. [The yieldable and resilient characteristics of the holder as a whole is partially illustrated in Fig. 5 where portions 17 and 18 arek shown as slightly diverging, dueto the resistance of the sheet to the folding operation, This feature provides a yieldable or elastic-effect transversely of the holder, and is present and may be taken advantage of in all embodiments of the invention, although where the encasing carton or other rec-eptable does not admit of such spreading of the parts, they may be placed together as in Fig. 3.

In theform illustrated in Fig. 6, the sheet 10B is formed and adapted for use in cartons or other packing boxesor containers of greater capacity and are preferably employed for-use in the latter due to the adaptability of their'manufacture in a continuous sheet of any size. Onlya fragment of such sheet is illustrated but it is understood that same may bemade up with an infinite number of portions, which latter may extend to pro.- vide an infinite number of article compartments, thereby providing a continuous vholder limited only by the dimensions of the packing container in which it is planned'to be employed.

The sheet 10B is formed with a sequence of portions, viz., 18, 30 and 45, which sequenc-e may be repeated ad infinitum in the sheet. The portions 18 and 30 are similar to their complements in Figs. 3 to 5, having the members 22d projecting to the edge of portion 30, which latter' portion is provided with the cushion means 32. Portion 45 has a relatively smooth surface, as illus; trated. f 4

In use, the sheet l0E is folded along lines46, 47 and `48 to the form illustrated, whereby each sequence of portions (18, 30 and 45) provides a holder 38B. The functions, shape and efficiency of this form are similar to those ascribedto previously described forms. Obviously the air lcushions, separating means and cushion means are all present in this forni and it is apparent that the arrangement of the portions in repeated sequence indefinitely throughout the sheet provides a series of compartments for fragile articles which ray be quickly folded and applied for use.

It is notable'with respect to the form in Fig. 6, that layers of articles may be packed in cartons or other boxes, without any otherseparate elements common inthe trade. 4This is obvious, when it is realized that the upstanding walls 18, and 45 of one tier are supported by complementary-portions of the tier thereunder, and this is true whether the contiguous tiers are built up with the walls of the superposed tiers vertically aligned or alternately criss-crossed. With either arrangement, the under surfaces of the bottom portions 30, with their bowl shaped cushions t over and cushion thefarticles of the subposed tier.

The general form of the sheet 10C, illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8 is similar to that of Figs. 3 to 5. However, in this form the cushion members are provided by forming portions 50 and 51 with corrugations 52 of substantially equal height, while portions 53 and 54 are provided with corrugations 55 and 56, alternately short and long as` illustrated. Every two corrugations 52 serve as acushion support for an article, while the longer corrugations 56, when the sheet is folded, interpose such pairs of corrugations 52 -and serve as laterally extending members, functioning in the same manner, as members'21, 22, 21 and 22s previously described. The shorter corrugations 55 serve to brace, cushion and maintain the articles erect. The folding, use and functions of this form are apparent in view of the detailed explanation with respect to other forms.

In Fig. 9, the sheet 10D is formed similarly to that of Figs. 'l and 8 except that the horizontally disposed cushioning portions 50a and 5111 are provided with a plurality of small corrugations 58 whereby to afford cushion means upon which the packed articles may rest. The folding, use and functions of this form are apparent in view of the detailed explanation with respect to other forms.

The advantages and efficiency of the present improvements are apparent. Primarily the sheets and resulting holders may be manufactured in any size depending upon the contemplated use which of course isgoverned by the size of the articles to be packed. Furthermore, the sheetsv in all the forms illustrated, need not be limited in the number of rows of cushion means and partitions shown, but the rows may be continued and multiplied as desired.

A further feature of marked importance resides in the facility of manufacture, since a single sheet may be made, which provides in one operation, integral cushion rows and rows with separating partitions, thereby eliminating the several manufacturing operations necessary in forming the separate packing elements common in the trade. Furthermore, the packing operation is facilitated, with theattendant economy of labor, due to the fact that but one sheet need be handled in fabricating the compartments or cells, thereby eliminating the trouble, time and movements the packer exercises in setting up the separate elements of all known types. i

A further advantage is apparent in the facilit and speed with which the sheets herein described may be folded to form a complete holder. This ease of assembly cannot be over-estimated and permits speedy insertion in the enclosing carton or box. If desired the holders themselves maybe utilized without the surrounding carton or box, for purposes of displaying the articles on sale, or for carriage thereof by the ultimate consumer.

It is notable that the present improvements may be embodied in sheets for forming holders, wherein the material of which the sheets are made is other than that specifically described, for example cardboard, or other similar material may be ernployed, and the fold lines, cushion means and spacing elements etc., may be provided therein in any desired form or manner.

Various other advantages as well as modifications within the scope of the present improvements, will occur to those skilled in the art. Such modifications as come within the purview of the invention are covered by the appended claims. For example, any desired form of cushion standing wall sections and horizontal base sections, said wall sections having laterally extending spaced partition means projecting, when folded, over thehorizontal base sections, `said base sections having la flat upper surface thereby presenting an uninterrupted plane surface for accommodating said partition means, saidr partition means extending the full height of the walls and substantially contacting the horizontal base sections.

2. A foldable holder for fragile articles cornprising a sheet of material divided by transverse fold lines, said lines dividing the sheet into sections adapted upon folding to provide upstanding wall sections and horizontal base sections, said wall sections having laterally extending spaced partition means projecting, when folded, over the horizontal base sections, said base sections having a flat upper surface thereby presenting an `uninterrupted planesurface for accommodating said partition `means said partition means extending the full height of the walls and substantially contacting the horizontal base sections, said base sect.ons having portions depressed bencath the plane thereof for supporting individual fragile articles.

3. A foldable holder for fragile articles for use in cartons comprising a sheet of material having at least three fold lines dividing the sheet into sections adapted for folding to provide walls at least equal in extent to the greatest dimension of the article to be packed, means defining a base along the bottom of each wall for accommodating fragile articles in rows, there being not more than two full-height walls, one disposed along each row, whereby access from one side of the row is afforded, vand partition means on said walls extending substantially the width of the row for maintaining the articles of a row from contact. i

4. A foldable holder for fragile articles comprising a sheet of material having at least three fold lines dividing the sheet into sections adapted for folding to provide two upstanding walls disposed back to back, means defining a base along the bottom of each wall for supporting fragile articles on either side thereof, said walls having spaced partitions extending laterally substantially the width of the row and cooperating with said base means for defining article cells.

. MORRIS KOPPELMAN. 

